Maritime Museum of the Atlantic Kicks Off Christmas at Sea, Donation Campaigns

The proud keepers of Nova Scotia’s rich seafaring heritage are continuing the community tradition of gathering, giving and sharing this holiday season with donation campaigns, festive music and LEGO.

The Maritime Museum of the Atlantic will launch Christmas at Sea on Thursday, Nov.

21, with the Boatload of Toys and Mission to Seafarers donation campaigns.

“The team at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic are passionate about sharing Nova Scotia’s marine history, and it’s wonderful that they are putting this energy into helping people have a better holiday season,” said Communities, Culture and Heritage Minister Tony Ince. “We appreciate the generous donations, and I encourage people to visit the museum to take advantage of the opportunity to learn and have fun with your families.”

The annual Boatload of Toys toy drive will support Bryony House and the Boys and Girls Clubs of HRM. The museum also partners with Mission to Seafarers for the annual Christmas shoebox program, which collects items for crews of visiting ships. People who bring in donations for either campaign will receive a free family pass for their next visit to the museum.

“For many of the crews stationed here over the holidays, these are usually the only gifts they receive,” said Maggie Whittingham-Lamont, seafarer co-ordinator with Mission to Seafarers. “Winter essentials are important and provide a sense of comfort, which is always appreciated and heartfelt.”

On Nov. 30, and Dec. 14, the museum will host Make-Your-Own Movie at the MMA, with digital animation workshops using LEGO and miniature figures with mobile devices. The museum will host a festive family weekend, Dec. 7 and Dec. 8, from 2-4 p.m., with LEGO: Christmas at Sea as well as music and crafts. It also marks the beginning of the LEGO Shipbuilders competition where youth 6 to 18 years old can use their LEGO to build CSS Acadia or other ships like Titanic, SS Atlantic or any watercraft that inspires them at the museum.